David O'ConnellRango
March 8th 2011 01:48
Gore Verbinski’s Rango is an amusingly hyperactive romp through a miniaturised old Western outpost populated by an eccentric assortment of lizards, critters and other unappetising varmints. When the hapless Rango (Johnny Depp) is ejected from his world-within-a-world as a family pet and left to fend for himself in the Mojave Desert, he’s directed to the nearby town of Dirt where a chronic shortage of water has reduced its inhabitants to their knees.
Rango’s first contact comes with the fiery Miss Beans (Isla Fisher) who will be his eventual love interest. But to begin with, he’s the despised stranger in a strange place, universally viewed with grave suspicion. Until, that is, he has all at the local watering hole spellbound with the fictional, elaborate re-telling of how he brought about the demise of seven outlaw brothers in another town with the firing of a single bullet.
Before long, this articulate fool with an admirable knack for improvisation has won the post of sheriff and been charged with finding a solution to the town’s water shortage. From this unlikely promotion - a development that strangely parallels Mike Judge’s Idiocracy (2006) - the film's rollicking plot in set in motion as the scant remaining litres of water are stolen and a posse of locals, led by Rango, set off in frazzled pursuit.
The stellar vocal cast - which also includes Ned Beatty in Lotso the Bear form as the town’s corrupted mayor and Bill Nighy as the mayor’s imposing villain-for-hire, Rattlesnake Jake - is second to none. But the real star of Rango is undoubtedly John Logan’s sharp, witty and film-literate screenplay which gives a knowing wink to Depp’s own Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas as well as nods to High Noon, Frankenstein and Sergio Leone’s entire back-catalogue.
The regularity of its witty ripostes and subtleties of characterisation will inevitably soar over the head of the younger audience members but the freewheeling, frenetic pacing ensures there’s little time for contemplation; a just as rewarding second viewing is almost guaranteed.
The margins are stacked with memorable minor details: from the quartet of narrating mariachi owls, to a raucous set-piece in which Rango and the townsfolk are chased through a canyon to the strains of 'Ride of the Valkyries' – introduced with a banjo-and-guitar redneck variation – and Timothy Olyphant’s eerily precise resurrection of Clint Eastwood’s Man With No Name in his appearance as the Spirit of the West.
Musically the film is a mixed bag, with composer Hans Zimmer employing a mix-and-match approach in his utilisation of a various Western influences. Unsurprisingly however Ennio Morricone’s swag of iconic themes are heavily plundered, with a few notable quotations - especially for the opening piece - standing out.
Rango (2011) is a winner, and the animated film of the year - thus far. It's a colourful, consistently clever and high-spirited misadventure that is both visually and mentally stimulating, making it a treat for audiences of all ages.
Rango opens in Australian cinemas on Thursday March 10.
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Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
Comment by Matt Shea
20/20 Filmsight
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
The film's pretty long for an animated film, no doubt about it mate, probably could have survived a trim here and there.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
I found it the funniest movie in years!
Sensationally animated and the characterisations were brilliant, especially Johnny Depp's voicing, but also the expressions.
John Logan's screenplay was superb.
I couldn't really fault this movie, yes long for an animated feature, perhaps a trim could've tightened it up a little.
Curious Clint didn't provide his own voice. Perhaps he cost too much?? Or was he too busy?? Surely he would've appreciated the sense of humour.
If a better animated movie, or comedy for that matter, comes along this year, I'll eat my boots.
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
Love JD..pant pant...even as a lizard!
Nice review Dave,
cheers
fog
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
I'm sure I'll be raving as much as you once I've seen it again. Going in I was a bit worried about the Depp persona affecting the impact of the film by being a distraction but as usual he nailed it. Not sure about Clint, but Olyphant did a pretty damn good imitation.
fog, you definitely can't pass this one up, as Bryn said it'll probably end up being the comedic highlight of the way - though typically the greatest opposition will indeed most likely come from other animated films. Most purported comedies these days feel like they were made up by primary school kids on their lunch break (Hall Pass for example?).
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
Screen Trek
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
I avoided Hall Pass too...and I totally agree, the sophistication and witticisms of the the "Golden Years of Hollywood" are long gone! I am thinking of My Man Godfrey, The Philadelphia Story, anything with Cary Grant really and the wonderful Katherine Hepburn, Jimi Stewart...then there were the slapstick artists; Laurel and Hardy, Chaplin, Buster Keeton....sigh..
What about Shallow Hal.....oh dear...love Black, but really...
cheers
fog